Device for holding socks or stockings in pairs

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a device for holding socks or stockings in pairs. The inventive device consists of a holding body ( 1 ) and a hook ( 2 ), which are joined by a predetermined breaking point ( 3 ). A slit is arranged in the holding body ( 1 ) for receiving two socks or stockings. The slit is enclosed on all sides by the holding body ( 1 ). The device is produced easily and holding the socks or stockings securely and in a caring manner.

BACKGROUND

This application relates to a device for holding socks or stockings inpairs in accordance to the preamble of claim 1.

Such devices are used for storing socks in pairs and/or for preventingthe socks from being separated during washing. For this purpose theymust be of washable material, i.e. they must be able to be washed at 60°or even 95° without loosing their stability or mechanical properties.

Clamps or clamp-like fasteners have been suggested for such kind ofdevices so far, such as they are e.g. described in U.S. Pat. No.4,414,716. However such clamps or fasteners are complicated inproduction and application and can damage the socks or stockings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hence, it is an object to provide a device of the initially mentionedtype that prevents these disadvantages as possible.

This object is achieved by the device of claim 1. Hence, according tothe invention the device has a holding body in which a slit is arrangedfor receiving both socks. The slit is enclosed on all sides by theholding body in non-openable manner, i.e. the holding body forms anon-openable loop, which extends around the whole slit.

Such a device can be produced without problems because of its simplegeometry. Since the slit is enclosed on all sides, it can hold the sockssecurely. It does not need any teeth, corners or suchlike, which coulddamage the socks. The slit can extend substantially along a straightline across the holding body.

Preferably the device consists of Teflon because this material is soft,elastic, tearproof, sturdy and washable. Other soft, heat-resistantplastics are preferred likewise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further embodiments, advantages and applications of the invention ensuefrom the dependent claims and from the now following description byreference of the figures. Thereby show:

FIG. 1 a preferred embodiment of the invention and

FIG. 2 the device of FIG. 1 with two socks held therein.

MODE FOR CARRING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a device for holding socks or stockings in pairs. Itcomprises a holding body 1, on which a hook 2 can be arranged. The hook2 is joined to the holding body 1 by means of a perforation 3 acting asa predetermined breaking point, such that the hook 2 can be broken offif it is not needed.

In the present embodiment the hole device consists of a heat-resistantplastic, in particular Teflon, and is produced by punching or injectionmolding from one piece.

The holding body 1 is designed as an elongate plate of a thickness of1.0-2.5 mm, preferably approx. 1.5 mm, in whose longitudinal directionextends a straight slit 4. This slit is enclosed on all sides by theholding body 1. At each of its ends, the slit 4 ends in a round opening5, 6, by means of which it is prevented that the slit tears even understrong, repeated strain.

The holding body 1 forms along each side of the slit 4 a flexible frame7, 8 of a width of approx. 5 to 15 mm. Due to the flexibility of thisframe the slit 4 can be widened in order to receive two socks 10 a, 10 bas shown in FIG. 2.

The width of the slit 4 should be less than 3 mm, preferably less than 1mm in order to guarantee a good retention even for thinner socks. As theslit runs substantially straight and comprises no teeth or corners, itsoftly holds the socks and damages are prevented.

The length of the slit can be matched to the socks' size, i.e. it ispossible to provide e.g. special devices with short slits for children'ssocks.

The inventive device can be used for storing socks (e.g. in a salesroom)as well as washing and drying socks or stockings.

By using the device when washing the socks, it can be prevented thatpairs of socks will be separated. Due to the softness and flexibility ofTeflon, a damage of the washing machine or tumbler is prevented.

In particular when the device is only used for washing socks, the hook 2can be removed. It is also possible, to produce devices for washingsocks according to the invention without the hook 2.

As already mentioned, the device can be produced from a punched Teflonplate of constant thickness (preferably approx. 1.5 mm). However it isalso possible, to produce it by injection molding. In this case,strongly stressed parts, such as the hook 2 or, where applicable one orboth parts 7, 8 of the frame, can be reinforced with ribs.

The device is produced quickly and easily and is robust because it hasno locks or springs, as they can usually be found in clamps. It islightweight, which is of particularly advantage in the washing machine.It is suited for socks, stockings and others textiles used in pairs.

While preferred embodiments of the invention are described in thepresent application, it must be distinctly pointed out that theinvention is not restricted thereto and can also be carried out in another way within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for holding socks or stockings in pairs,wherein the device is of washable, flexible material and comprises aholding body for holding two socks, wherein a slit is arranged in theholding body for receiving both socks, wherein the slit is enclosed onall sides by the holding body in non-openable manner and issubstantially straight and without corners.
 2. The device of claim 1,wherein the slit has a width of less than 3 mm.
 3. The device of claim1, wherein the holding body is an elongated, flexible plate, wherein theslit extends in longitudinal direction of the plate.
 4. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the plate forms on every side of the slit a flexibleframe of 5-15 mm width.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the holdingbody has a thickness of 1.0-2.5 mm.
 6. The device of claim 1, whereinthe device is a single Teflon piece.
 7. The device of claim 1, whereinit consists of a plastic plate of substantially constant thickness. 8.The device of claim 1, wherein it comprises a hook for hanging up thedevice.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the hook is joined via apredetermined breaking point, in particular a perforation, with theholding body.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the slit ends on eachside in a round opening.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein it comprisesexactly one slit.
 12. The device of claim 2, wherein the slit has awidth of less than 1 mm.
 13. The device of claim 5, wherein the holdingbody has a thickness of approximately 1.5 mm.
 14. A device for holdingsocks or stockings in pairs, wherein the device is of washable, flexiblematerial and comprises: a holding body for holding two socks, and asubstantially straight slit arranged in said holding body for receivingthe socks extending there through, wherein the slit is enclosed on allsides by the holding body in non-openable manner.